It's unclear if Sheridan (pictured) would coach the inside or outside linebackers, but that could be determined by who else the Dolphins are able to lure to replace Jim Reid (outside) and George Edwards (inside), who left after the season to take college coordinator jobs at Virginia and Florida, respectively.

It's also possible that Sheridan, once on the staff, could be elevated to defensive coordinator if the Dolphins' expected pursuit of Al Groh and/or Romeo Crennel does not bear fruit.

Sheridan, 50, was fired after one season as Giants defensive coordinator. His unit finished tied for 13th in the NFL in total defense (14th against the run and 15th against the pass).

The Giants defense went from top 3 to terrible once this guy took over. He also was coaching 43 LB's, not 34, so, we'll see how this works out...

They were 5th in yards allowed, 8th against the pass, 9th against the run and 5th in points allowed in 2008. Not top 3.

They were 13th in yards allowed, 14th against the run, 15th against the pass and 30th in points allowed in 2009.

Keep in mind that the Giants defense had injuries to starters every week, including both their starting corners for a good portion of the season and key members of their defensive line. Also consider that the offense of the Giants held the ball an average of 33 minutes in 2008 versus 31 minutes in 2009. The Giants turnover ratio in 2008 was +9. In 2009? -7.

In 2008, the Giants averaged 5 yards per rush. That number dropped to 4.1 yards per rush in 2009. Mannings INTs went up slightly but the fumbles went from 12 in 2008 to 23 in 2009. Almost double.

So what I see here is that it was not necessarily the defensive coordinator's fault that the defense declined in production. The offense turned the ball over a lot more. More turnovers mean more points off turnovers. The offense controlled the clock less. It is hard to have a top 5 defense without an offense that holds onto the ball both in turnovers and in time of possession.

I have no idea if this guy is any good as a defensive coordinator, but there are factors than just him to their defensive decline in 2009.

The Giants defense went from top 3 to terrible once this guy took over. He also was coaching 43 LB's, not 34, so, we'll see how this works out...

They were 5th in yards allowed, 8th against the pass, 9th against the run and 5th in points allowed in 2008. Not top 3.

They were 13th in yards allowed, 14th against the run, 15th against the pass and 30th in points allowed in 2009.

Keep in mind that the Giants defense had injuries to starters every week, including both their starting corners for a good portion of the season and key members of their defensive line. Also consider that the offense of the Giants held the ball an average of 33 minutes in 2008 versus 31 minutes in 2009. The Giants turnover ratio in 2008 was +9. In 2009? -7.

In 2008, the Giants averaged 5 yards per rush. That number dropped to 4.1 yards per rush in 2009. Mannings INTs went up slightly but the fumbles went from 12 in 2008 to 23 in 2009. Almost double.

So what I see here is that it was not necessarily the defensive coordinator's fault that the defense declined in production. The offense turned the ball over a lot more. More turnovers mean more points off turnovers. The offense controlled the clock less. It is hard to have a top 5 defense without an offense that holds onto the ball both in turnovers and in time of possession.

I have no idea if this guy is any good as a defensive coordinator, but there are factors than just him to their defensive decline in 2009.

Good points. The fact that he was unable to get pressure on the QB though with guys like Osi, Tuck, and my boy Kiwanuka, is troubling.

The Giants defense went from top 3 to terrible once this guy took over. He also was coaching 43 LB's, not 34, so, we'll see how this works out...

They were 5th in yards allowed, 8th against the pass, 9th against the run and 5th in points allowed in 2008. Not top 3.

They were 13th in yards allowed, 14th against the run, 15th against the pass and 30th in points allowed in 2009.

Keep in mind that the Giants defense had injuries to starters every week, including both their starting corners for a good portion of the season and key members of their defensive line. Also consider that the offense of the Giants held the ball an average of 33 minutes in 2008 versus 31 minutes in 2009. The Giants turnover ratio in 2008 was +9. In 2009? -7.

In 2008, the Giants averaged 5 yards per rush. That number dropped to 4.1 yards per rush in 2009. Mannings INTs went up slightly but the fumbles went from 12 in 2008 to 23 in 2009. Almost double.

So what I see here is that it was not necessarily the defensive coordinator's fault that the defense declined in production. The offense turned the ball over a lot more. More turnovers mean more points off turnovers. The offense controlled the clock less. It is hard to have a top 5 defense without an offense that holds onto the ball both in turnovers and in time of possession.

I have no idea if this guy is any good as a defensive coordinator, but there are factors than just him to their defensive decline in 2009.